The left back crisis currently rocking the Super Eagles of Nigeria has taken a turn for the worst following the inactivity of Elderson Echiejile at his loan side Sporting Gijon.
Echiejile is on loan at the Spanish side till the end of the season from French league champions in waiting Monaco. His second loan spell this season after spending the first six months with Standard Liege of Belgium.
Monaco didn’t find space for the Nigerian in their team after his return to the team in January, and sent him on another loan deal where they believe he will get regular run of games.
However that has not been the case at Spanish league struggling outfit Sporting Gijon where although he has a goal to his name from his role as a left back, he has only played three games this season.
As a matter of fact the last time he played was the 3-1 loss against Real Sociedad, same game he scored late on for his first goal for his team. Since then he has only made the matchday squad once.
The last time he made the matchday 18 man squad was the 2-2 draw against Osasuna on 22nd of April, and he watched the entire proceeding from the bench.
Since then he has failed to make the matchday squad for the four games they have played, and there’s no report of the left back injured by the coach of the team during his press conference.
His inactivity will no doubt trouble coach of the senior Nigeria national team Gernot Rohr who views the player as his first choice left back. An area where Nigeria is currently short of options.
Ade Emmanuel
